St. Louis, MO – Judge Michael Stelzer issued two rulings
this afternoon on motions filed by Reproductive Health Services Planned
Parenthood in St. Louis, Missouri, in response to subpoenas issued by the
Department of Health and Senior Services that sought testimony from several
Planned Parenthood abortionists in a an abortion facility licensing dispute.

Stelzer ruled that the parties “have shown that compliance
with the subpoenas would present an undue burden and hardship” on the
abortionist.

RHS Planned Parenthood was found to be in substantial
non-compliance with Missouri laws and regulations after failing an annual
inspection in March then not correcting all of the deficiencies cited. The DHSS also sought to interview seven
abortionists that conducted abortions at Planned Parenthood and had outcomes
that required further investigation. All
but two failed to cooperate with the investigation.

The DHSS, in keeping with Missouri laws and regulations, had no plans to renew RHS Planned Parenthood’s license when it expired on May 31, 2019. However, Planned Parenthood sought court intervention. Judge Stelzer issued a temporary restraining order keeping Planned Parenthood operating for now.

“We are disappointed that this judge has ruled that the state cannot put on its full case with testimony from the abortionists and now await the outcome of tomorrow’s preliminary injunction hearing,” said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue. “We hope this judge will allow the state to enforce its own laws for the protection of the public. We understand that RHS Planned Parenthood’s abortion complication is four times higher than the national average and that is more than enough to shut them down.”